Veteran knows how to bide time

After 36 years in the auto racing business, Dave Byrd has learned the value of patience.

Scott Linesburgh

After 36 years in the auto racing business, Dave Byrd has learned the value of patience.

The veteran driver and French Camp resident has not been able to win a race so far this season on the SRL Southwest Tour circuit. But he feels like his fortunes may improve when the tour comes to Stockton 99 Speedway at 6 p.m. today for the Performance Electrical Co. 125.

The program will feature a fireworks display on "Johnny Brazil Night" in honor of the local racing legend who won four track titles (1960, '69, '70 and '71) and set the record at Stockton 99 with a lap of 11.899 seconds in a super modified race in 1985.

Byrd, 54, is currently eighth in the points standings, and his best finish is fourth place in the first six races. But he's not worried, especially coming into an event in Stockton. Two of his 17 career track titles came at Stockton (1994, 96), and he has more than 200 wins.

"We've been running up front, but have had a few issues. Obviously, my best chance of doing well is going to be at Stockton," Byrd said. "I've always loved it there, and I kind of feel I have a home-field advantage in some ways. I'm really looking forward to going back."

Byrd said he's still having fun and has no plans of retiring in the near future.

"I feel as well as I ever have. On the flip side, I haven't had a summer off since high school, but I enjoy it," Byrd said. "As long as there are opportunities, I'll keep doing it."

Byrd is not the only driver with local ties who might try for a victory at Stockton 99. Jacob Gomes of Manteca, Ross Strmiska of Manteca and Michael Sandoval of Ripon are among those who could compete.

The Gene Romero West Coast Flat Track Series returns to the Lodi Cycle Bowl at 5:30 p.m. today The series also visited the track July 14.

The series is named after Gene Romero, 65, who had an 18-year pro career and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. In its 15 seasons, WCFTS circuit has raced at 33 tracks in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Nevada.